Native to parts of Africa and Asia, and found throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, the moringa tree is so much more than just a tree. It's a remedy for a number of ailments, from stomach pains to headaches. And its healing properties are found throughout the entire tree: leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, seeds and root. This medicinal plant is also packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, B and C, calcium and potassium. It's a superfood found right here in our backyard.

With so many diverse benefits, it's safe to say we love moringa. And we hope you do too, because we're introducing this nutritious, versatile ingredient to a new drink this week. If you've never tried it before… get ready.

Introducing: Retreat's Moringa Smoothie

Yes, it's as good as it looks. We make this smoothie using the powder of moringa leaves. If you live here in the Turks and Caicos, find a moringa tree near you and you can collect the leaves yourself. To make the powder, we blended dried leaves in a Vitamix. A regular blender would work too. Be sure to thoroughly wash the leaves before drying them. If you live in the U.S. or Canada, check your local health food store for moringa powder.

Pop into Retreat Yoga & Wellness Studio to try this tasty smoothie for yourself. We will donate 25 percent of our proceeds from smoothie sales to the Mensen Academy, a nonprofit committed to providing literacy and education opportunities for children and adults in the Dominican Republic.

And if you want to make this smoothie yourself at home, it's easy — we've provided the recipe below.

1 banana

1/2-1 cup berries of your choice

1 tbsp coconut manna

1 tbsp flaxseed

1 tbsp moringa powder

1 tbsp honey

Water

Ice

Blend it all together, and you've got yourself a smoothie that's not only delicious, but also incredibly nourishing.

Blending moringa into a smoothie is just one of several ways you could use this versatile ingredient. There's so much more you could do with it. If you're looking for a simple way to incorporate moringa into your diet, try some tea using dried moringa leaves. Add lemon and honey (or whatever you like in your tea).

Ready to introduce a little moringa into your diet? Come by the studio and try a smoothie. And if you've got a moringa concoction of your own, we'd love to hear about it! Share your own moringa creations with us below, or on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #retreatTC.